Three years later

The little bell above the jewelry shop door jingled as a breeze swept in from the street, carrying the smell of fresh bread from the bakery beside the jewelry shop. The cozy shop gleamed in the afternoon light—polished wooden shelves filled with delicate silver chains, gold bangles and glittering earrings that caught the sun. Behind the counter stood Mirabella, dressed in a simple cream blouse and dark skirt, her long dark hair tied back loosely. Her hands worked carefully ...